Start a vegetable patch: what to grow and when

A guide for UK vegetable growers

There's something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food, whether it's a handful of homegrown carrots or a bumper crop of runner beans. Starting a vegetable patch doesn't need to be complicated, and with the right planning, you can enjoy fresh, tasty produce right from your garden.

Here's your UK-friendly guide on what to grow, when to plant it, and how to keep your veg patch thriving all year round.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Vegetables love sunlight. Aim for a patch that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, ideally with some wind protection. Good drainage is essential, so raised beds or loose, well-dug soil work best.

Top tip: If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, improve it with compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and structure.

What to Grow and When (UK Growing Calendar)

Here's a seasonal breakdown of easy-to-grow UK vegetables and when to plant them:

Note: Dates may vary slightly depending on region. In colder areas (like the north or higher altitudes), sow slightly later or under cover.

Companion Planting: Nature's Pest Control

Mixing your crops wisely can help deter pests and encourage better growth. Here are some winning combinations:

• Carrots + Onions: Onions deter carrot fly, and carrots help mask the onion scent from onion fly.
• Lettuce + Radishes: Radishes grow quickly and loosen the soil for slower-growing lettuce.
• Tomatoes + Basil: Not just tasty together, basil can help repel tomato pests like whitefly and aphids.
• Cabbage + Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, drawing cabbage white butterflies away from your brassicas.

Soil Tips for Healthy Veggies

Different vegetables like different soils:

• Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beetroot) prefer light, sandy soil that's free from stones.
• Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale) thrive in rich, fertile soil with plenty of nitrogen.
• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) do well in firm, alkaline soil, add lime if your soil is too acidic.
• Potatoes enjoy moist, well-drained soil and help break up heavy soil for next year's crops.

Always dig in compost or organic matter before planting. Your soil is the foundation of your veg patch, feed it, and it will feed you!

Don't Forget the Weather

Our climate is mild and unpredictable at the best of times, so flexibility is key. Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from cold snaps, and keep an eye on late frosts in spring.

Bonus Tips

• Rotate crops each year to reduce the risk of pests and disease buildup.
• Water in the mornings to reduce slugs and fungal issues.
• Mulch to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
• Keep a gardening journal to track what works and when.

Ready to Get Growing?

Whether you're aiming for a full allotment or just a few containers on your patio, there's never been a better time to start your own veg patch. It's great for your health, your wallet, and your tastebuds.

If you need seeds, tools, compost, or advice, pop into Gardening World Limited. We've got everything you need to turn your garden dreams into dinner!